VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwire) -- 03/25/09 -- Digital picture frames are popular gift items, but that doesn't mean they are easy to use.

ACD Systems International Inc. has developed a new, convenient way for consumers to work with their digital picture frames, as well as other portable image devices, with the release of ACDSee(TM) Picture Frame Manager, a user-friendly software program that provides a better overall experience for digital picture frame owners.

With the number of digital frames in use in the U.S. expected to exceed 60 million units by 2013, according to InfoTrends, more consumers will encounter the cumbersome process of uploading photos to a frame, figuring out how to set image resolution size and transitions, and presenting high-quality photos for friends and family to enjoy.

"People are struggling with standard photo frame software and become frustrated when their pictures do not correctly fit the frame size, smoothly transition from photo to photo, or they run out of memory space," said Simon Tipler, product manager for ACD Systems. "Picture Frame Manager simplifies the experience and is an easy solution to these common problems."

Compatible with both PC and Mac computers, Picture Frame Manager allows effortless management of digital frame images in just a few simple steps:

- Picture Frame Manager connects the computer with any removable memory device such as a picture frame, SD card, USB drive or other portable display that mounts as a mass storage device.

- Once connected, drag-and-drop features make loading, moving, changing or deleting images a snap.

- To increase memory capacity, the software optimizes images for frames of any size or resolution, even for today's high-definition television screens. Because each image is set to the correct resolution for each frame, up to 10 times the amount of images can be stored and displayed.

- Picture Frame Manager makes waiting for photos to display a thing of the past. All types of decodable image files, including TIF, GIF, PNG and RAW-format files from today's DSLR cameras, are converted automatically to JPEG format, ensuring smooth, professional transitions every time.

- Users can manage multiple frames at the same time and save settings for each frame.

Moving forward, ACDSee anticipates that the growth of digital picture devices and the increasing size of electronic displays will make photo management even more of a necessity for consumers.

"Digital picture frames are trending toward larger display sizes," said Tipler. "Today, the most common frames are in the seven-inch range; however, we anticipate those sizes reaching upwards of 15 inches in the near future. That means it will be more important to find the correct resolution settings so images come out bold and brilliant every time on these larger screens.

"Picture frames are also following the same trends that we've seen over time in digital cameras: performance and resolution are improving, and price points are becoming more accessible," Tipler continued. "ACDSee Picture Frame Manager makes it easy for people to keep up with the diverse options that are available, and manage multiple frames."

Pricing and availability

ACDSee Picture Frame Manager is available for pre-order at www.edeei.com and will be available for sale in April alongside digital picture frames at retail outlets like B&H Photo and J&R Electronics for $39.99 (USD). For more information on availability, visit www.acdsee.com/pictureframemanager.

About ACD Systems

Headquartered in British Columbia since 1993, ACD Systems International Inc. is one of the world's leading developers and marketers of digital imaging software, including the renowned ACDSee image management tool and Canvas, an advanced technical illustration and graphics program. ACD Systems has millions of consumer and business users and more than 33,000 corporate customers including many Fortune 500 companies. For further details, please visit www.acdsee.com.

ACD and ACDSee are trademarks of ACD Systems International Inc. and may be registered in Canada, the United States, the European Union, Japan or certain other jurisdictions. Canvas is a trademark of ACD Systems of America, Inc. and may be registered in certain jurisdictions. Trademarks of ACD Systems of America, Inc. are used under license by ACD Systems International Inc. or its subsidiaries.

All other marks, products and company names are the property of their respective owners.